A Flowery Song

Background: ’s cognac. Made from grapes, aged at least two years.

Nose: Sharply spiritous, violets, roses, and vanilla.

Taste: Bitter, and not in a good way. Very muddled, impressions of tobacco and vanilla toffee.

Overall: Missable. Neither refined nor easygoing, this sits squarely in the “do not buy” category for me.

Background: No age statement brandy from Korbel in California, aged in American oak barrels that previously held Jack Daniels.

Nose: Very sharp. A bit of vanilla.

Taste: Vanilla, caramel, and a bit of smoke.

Overall: Unobjectionable, but nothing to recommend itself other than price.

Background: From the St. Julian Wine Company. The base wine is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Vidal; after distillation the brandy was aged for two years in Hungarian oak, two years in neutral French oak, and two years in barrels previously used for St. Julian's Solera Cream Sherry. Bottle #87. 40% ABV.

Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, almond, and nutmeg.

Taste: Solid oak background, some hazelnut presents, light flowery notes and a hint of rubber. Long, dry finish.

Overall: A solid second outing for the distiller(s) at St. Julian. Flavourful and smooth.

Background: Grappa is a normally unaged grape brandy distilled from the pressed skins and seeds (or pomace) left over from winemaking. This varietal grappa is made from 100% Oregon Muscat.

Nose: Musky floral Muscat character, and a bit of red fruit.

Taste: Dry, light and floral, with a medium amount of solventy alcohol. Finish is clean and short.

(What kind of wussy would dilute?)

Nose: Melon notes.

Taste: Some grassy vegetal notes.

Overall: Very well-done. Preserves the varietal character and is sufficiently smooth as to be enjoyable.

Background: This brandy starts as cider composed from a large number of apple varieties which is then distilled and aged in oak casks for a minimum of four years.

Nose: Hot alcohol notes hit first, followed by a sharp sweetness with some oak and apple notes.

Taste: Oak dominates, showing vanilla and tannins. A slightly sweet middle where the barest hint of apple peeks through, followed by a mildly astringent finish.

(Dilute)

Nose: Very sweet, some earthiness and a lot more apple.

Taste: More balanced overall. A mild apple flavour is present throughout, and subtle notes of leaf mould and maple are detectable.

Overall: Smooth and drinkable brandy with a light apple taste. A couple of drops of water really helps open it up.

Background: Straight apple brandy, aged for a minimum of 7.5 years. Produced only from tree-ripened apples, and naturally fermented.

Nose: Sweet apple, with some solventy notes.

Taste: Dry, with light apple notes and fairly minimal oak influence. Medium length finish is mainly dry oak.

(Waiter? No, water.)

Nose: Apple is much richer, and the spirity bite is less intrusive.

Taste: Sweeter, some floral overtones.

Overall: Drinkable, but not outstanding. Fresher apple taste than most French apple brandies.